Remote interaction device

ABSTRACT

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for remote interaction with a subject in an environment. The device has audio-visual recording and transmitting functionality to provide an operator at a remote location with an audio-visual feed of the environment near the device. The device also has a light emission component which the operator controls and which projects light onto a surface in the environment in the vicinity of the device. The systems, devices, and methods provide operators with the ability to interact with pets and provide exercise and stimulation to pets when their owners are away.

CROSS-REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/767,310 filed Feb. 21, 2013, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

The subject matter described herein relates generally to a remoteinteraction device, and more particularly to a device at a firstlocation which allows a user at a second, remote location to view, hear,and interact with a user at the first location—the user at the firstlocation generally being an animal such as a dog, cat, or other pet andthe user at the second location generally being an owner or other human.

BACKGROUND

Presently, pet owners generally interact with their pets only when theyare in the same general location, such as a home. Many pet owners arerequired to leave their pets alone and unsupervised for numerous hoursevery day when the pet owner goes to work, runs errands, or leaves townon trips or vacations. Some pets become bored, lethargic, or sedentarywhen left alone. This can lead to numerous health problems includingobesity and depression. Alternatively, some pets become ornery andmischievous when left alone. This can lead to property damage, barkingwhich irritates neighbors, and in extreme cases injury or death of thepet may occur.

One attempted solution to a lack of interaction and stimulation for petshas been to hire pet sitters who may take care of pets while the petowner is away. Pet sitters often charge an hourly fee and may do littlemore than feed the pet before leaving. In some cases the pet owner maynever know that the pet sitter did not interact with the pet for morethan a few minutes. Even in the case of a pet sitter who plays with thepet, the pet owner does not receive the direct benefit of interactingwith the pet personally.

Other attempted solutions have included leaving televisions or radios onfor the pet while the pet owner is away, attempting to use automaticallycontrolled toys, electroshock punishment for misbehaving, and passivesurveillance systems which provide one-directional monitoring of thepet. Each of these passive and active systems has its own drawbacksranging from being inefficient to inhumane.

Accordingly, an remote interaction device for interacting with petswould be desirable.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a remote interaction device, andmore particularly to a remote interaction device that allows pet ownersto interact with pets from a remote location.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a remoteinteraction device is provided. The device generally includes a videorecorder, an acoustic transducer, a microphone, an antenna fortransmitting and receiving data, a processor, a photonic emission deviceand photonic emission aiming device, and a power supply. Each of theseelements is included in a single device.

The photonic emission device is generally a laser which can becontrolled by a user at a remote location by issuing commands. The usercommands are received by the device, processed, and controlelectromagnets. The electromagnets in turn control a movable platform towhich the laser is attached.

Other systems, devices, methods, features and advantages of the subjectmatter described herein will be or will become apparent to one withskill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detaileddescription. It is intended that all such additional systems, devices,methods, features and advantages be included within this description, bewithin the scope of the subject matter described herein, and beprotected by the accompanying claims. In no way should the features ofthe example embodiments be construed as limiting the appended claims,absent express recitation of those features in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The details of the subject matter set forth herein, both as to itsstructure and operation, may be apparent by study of the accompanyingfigures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. Thecomponents in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis insteadbeing placed upon illustrating the principles of the subject matter.Moreover, all illustrations are intended to convey concepts, whererelative sizes, shapes and other detailed attributes may be illustratedschematically rather than literally or precisely.

FIG. 1 is a visual representation of an example embodiment of the deviceand subjects.

FIG. 2A is a cutaway of the front of remote interaction device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a view of the front of remote interaction device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a view of the rear of remote interaction device in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 2D is a cutaway of the rear of remote interaction device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2E is a view of the bottom of remote interaction device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2F is a cutaway of the side of remote interaction device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of remote interaction device in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a view of the rear of remote interaction device in accordancewith one alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of various modules of the remote interaction deviceand their relation to one another in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 5A is a visual portrayal of the first time setup of user interfaceto interact with remote interaction device in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 5B is a visual portrayal of the typical user interface to interactwith a menu screen associated with remote interaction device includingsearch capabilities in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a visual portrayal of the typical user interface to interactwith remote interaction device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5D is a visual portrayal of the user interface to interact withremote interaction devices in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5E is a visual portrayal of the user interface to set interactioncapabilities for a remote interaction device for other users inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 5F is a visual portrayal of the user interface to view saved remoteinteraction devices and browse new remote interaction devices tointeract with in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5G is a visual portrayal of the user interface to interact with aprofile associated with another associated with a remote interactiondevice in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5H is a visual portrayal of the user interface to interact with anews screen associated with remote interaction devices and operators inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a diagram of a laser positioning device showing an angularperspective of a laser beam positioning device in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 6B is a diagram of a side perspective of a laser beam positioningdevice in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a diagram of a front perspective of a laser beam positioningdevice in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6D is a diagram of a side perspective view of a laser beampositioning device in accordance with the present invention from theopposite side of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6E is a diagram of a rear perspective view of a laser beampositioning device in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present subject matter is described in detail, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is not limited to the particularembodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited onlyby the appended claims.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for theirdisclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothingherein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure isnot entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure.Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from theactual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions,and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein areintended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from anyother embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, orstep is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should beunderstood that that feature, element, component, function, or step canbe used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitlystated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basisand written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, thatcombine features, elements, components, functions, and steps fromdifferent embodiments, or that substitute features, elements,components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those ofanother, even if the following description does not explicitly state, ina particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions arepossible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of everypossible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especiallygiven that the permissibility of each and every such combination andsubstitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill inthe art.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a visual representation of anexample embodiment of the device and subjects. FIG. 1 shows an operator114, connected device 101, pet 111, wireless network connected to theinternet 116, and remote interaction device 100.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, operator 114 is a pet owneror other human. Operator 114 is able to interact with pet 111 at aremote location by using connected device 101 to monitor and controlremote interaction device 100. Connected device 101 in the exampleembodiment is a tablet computer but in other embodiments connecteddevice 101 may be a desktop, laptop, or notebook computer, wearablecomputer such as a smart watch, glasses or contact lenses, a smartphone, or any other device with wireless network connectivity. Remoteinteraction device 100 and connected device 101 are connected to eachother wirelessly over wireless network connected to the internet 116. Insome embodiments wireless network connected to the internet 116 is abroadband wireless network or other high bandwidth packet switchnetwork.

Remote interaction device 100 in the example embodiment is made ofvarious modules and components which facilitate operator 114'sinteraction with pet 111. Remote interaction device 100 connects towireless network connected to the internet 116 using wireless connectionmodule 102. Wireless connection module and other modules and componentsreceive power from power module 103 which is governed by on/off switch109. On/off switch 109 is also referred to as power button 109 in thisapplication. In the example embodiment power module 103 receives powervia USB interface although in other embodiments other interfaces areused. CPU module 104 is a central processing unit which governs allsystems and processes overall in remote interaction device 100.

Microphone 108 and camera module 107 provide for audio and visual datacapture at the location of remote interaction device 100 and allowoperator 114 to view and hear what is going on at the location of remoteinteraction device 100 using connected device 101. Laser positioningmodule 105 is operatively connected to laser beam 110 and controls itspositioning. Laser beam 110 and speakers 106 allow operator 114 tointeract with the location of remote interaction device 100 by providingvisual stimulation and audio stimulation respectively for pet 111.Casing 112 provides a protective housing for all components and modulesof remote interaction device 100.

FIG. 2A shows a cutaway of the front of remote interaction device 100 inaccordance with the present invention. The remote interaction device 100shown in FIG. 1 is a view from the front of the device and generallyincludes camera module 107, laser pointer module 136, pan and tiltplatform 138, microphone 108, RGB LED notifier 118, and speaker 106.

Each of the components shown in FIG. 2A may be located at differentlocations within the device from those shown in the example embodimentbut in general, the camera module 107 and laser pointer module 136 faceoutward from the same face of the device so as to allow camera module107 to record a video feed in the same direction that laser pointermodule 136 allows for interaction with the environment, such as shiningon a surface.

Camera module 107 in the example embodiment is a video recording devicewith a wide angle lens which allows for a video recording of theenvironment in front of camera module 107. In the example embodimentcamera module 107 is a CMOS sensor and a camera lens as well as aprinted circuit board (PCB). In other embodiments camera module 107 usesother digital video recording devices or other appropriate videorecording devices. A wide angle lens is used in the example embodimentto allow for video recording of the environment without the need to movethe camera to follow particular subjects or specific locations withinthe field of view of camera module 107. In other embodiments otherappropriate lenses are used.

In the example embodiments, camera module 107 is an internet protocol(IP) camera which can send and receive data over computer networks suchas the internet. These cameras are sometimes referred to as webcams. Inthe example embodiment camera module 107 is a decentralized IP camerawhich has local storage and does not require a network video recorder(NVR) although in other embodiments centralized IP cameras may be used.In the example embodiment camera module 107 captures high definition(HD) video although in other embodiments lower definition video iscaptured.

Camera module 107 in some embodiments has focusing capabilities whichallow for focusing based on the distance of a subject from camera module107. In some embodiments the focusing capability is performedautomatically by internal processing of a camera processor which isoperable to process visual data signals from camera module 107. In someembodiments focusing is performed manually by a user at a remotelocation by engaging an appropriate command on connected device 101.

In some embodiments additional components are provided in camera module107 such as camera aiming devices, alternate and/or changeable filters,and others which allow a user to view different areas of the room bypositioning the direction of the camera and viewing through differentfilters. In some embodiments automatic motion-capture components areused in order to direct the camera to capture movement in theenvironment such as movement of pet 111.

Laser positioning module 105 in the example embodiment is made of laserpointer module 136 in the example embodiment is a laser pointer whichemits light through optical amplification. Light emitted by laserpointer module 136 is directed to a specific location in the environmentsuch as on a surface. Typical surfaces may be floors, furniture, walls,or others. Many animals become interested in light such as lasersprojected on surfaces. These animals will follow the light and try tocatch it or capture it, providing entertainment for the animal. In theexample embodiment laser pointer module uses a laser which is safe foruse around humans and animals.

Pan and tilt platform 138 in the example embodiment is a platform towhich laser pointer module 136 is mounted. Pan and tilt platform 138provides the mechanical support which controls the physical locationthat laser module 136 is pointing laser beam 110. In the exampleembodiment electromagnets control the panning and tilting of pan andtilt platform 138. Pan and tilt platform 138 is described later in thisapplication and is also referred to as laser positioning device 600.Electromagnets are advantageous over other aiming mechanisms such asservo-motors because electromagnets typically provide better reliabilitythan servo-motors. Additionally, electromagnets are currently lessexpensive and quieter than servo-motors thus reducing costs and noise ofthe device respectively. Electromagnets also provide greater precisionin aiming applications than servomotors.

Microphone 108 in the example embodiment is a microphone which isoperable to receive audio input signals from the environment such asbarking from a dog, meowing from a cat, or others. In the exampleembodiment microphone 108 is coupled to a processor which is operable torecognize when a sound is made in the environment. In some embodimentsthis may trigger processes within remote interaction device 100 such asnotifying operator 114 via connected device 101 that noise is being madenear remote interaction device 100, beginning visual recording usingcamera module 107, or others.

RGB LED notifier 118 in the example embodiment is a light emitting diode(LED) which indicates the status of remote interaction device 100. Insome embodiments status indications include power, standby,transmit/receive, charging, or others. RGB LED notifier 118 indicatesdifferent device status in some embodiments by flashing, constant colordisplay, alternating color display, or others. RGB LED notifier 118 inthe example embodiment is a single RGB LED. In other embodiments RGB LEDnotifier 118 may include multiple RGB LED's in various configurations.

Speaker 106 in the example embodiment is a speaker device which outputsaudio signals into the environment near remote interaction device 100.Speaker 106 in the example embodiment is operable to output audiosignals such as a human voice, music, or other sounds received fromoperator 114 via connected device 101 over wireless network connected tothe internet 116 and processed by an audio processor so as tocommunicate with pet 111 near remote interaction device 100. In someembodiments multiple speakers may be used.

Turning to FIG. 2B a front view of remote interaction device 100 isshown with front acrylic glass 122 attached and covering the interiorcomponents. In the example embodiment front acrylic glass 122 is auniform piece of acrylic glass except in the locations of microphone108, RGB LED notifier 118, and speaker 106 which each have cutouts, suchas holes, appropriate to allow for visual and audio communication withthe outer environment.

In some embodiments RGB LED notifier 118 is hidden behind front acrylicglass 122 but is viewable through front acrylic glass 122. In someembodiments RGB LED notifier 118 consists of multiple RGB LED's indiffering configurations on varying surfaces of remote interactiondevice 100.

In the example embodiment front acrylic glass 122 is poly(methylmethracrylate) although in other embodiments other appropriate materialsare used.

Turning to FIG. 2C, a rear view of remote interaction device 100 isshown with the back panel in place. In the example embodiment the backof remote interaction device 100 includes port 124, port cavity 126,power button 109, and mounting 130.

Port 124 in the example embodiment is a data port operable to receivedata cable connectors. Although in the example embodiment port 124 isstandardized to mini-USB cable connection size, in other embodimentsport 124 is another connection size, such as micro-USB, standard USB,ethernet, or others.

Port cavity 126 in the example embodiment is a cavity which allows aconnection cord, such as a mini-USB cord, to bend rather than connectdirectly out of the rear of remote interaction device 100. For instance,if remote interaction device is mounted to a wall by standard mounting130, port cavity 126 provides a cavity in which a data cable can beconnected to remote interaction device and the data cable may bend at aninety degree angle so the back of remote interaction device 100 mayremain flush with the wall. Port cavity 126 is deeper or shallower invarious embodiments as required by the connector size to allow thedevice to remain flush with a wall while mounted.

Power button 109 is a power button in the example embodiment so as toallow a user to power remote interaction device on or off as required.In some embodiments power button 109 has additional capabilities such asa soft-reset after a three-second hold or others. In some embodimentspower button 109 may be located on other surfaces of remote interactiondevice 100 such as the front, side, top, or bottom so as to facilitateease of use for a user.

Standard mounting 130 is a mounting hole which is standardized so as toprovide a mounting location for remote interaction device 100. In theexample embodiment standard mounting 130 is a nail or screw typemounting, such as would be provided on the rear of a picture frame wherethe head of the nail or screw fits in the large hole and the body of thenail or screw rests in the slightly thinner location above the largerhole. In other embodiments standard mounting is another standardizedtype of mounting such as a speaker-type mounting, a threaded mounting toscrew remote interaction device 100 in, or others.

Turning to FIG. 2D, a rear view of remote interaction device 100 isshown with the back panel removed. In this view, port cavity 126,antenna 130, and printed circuit board (PCB) 132 are visible.

Antenna 130 in the example embodiment is a Wi-Fi antenna which iscapable of transmitting and receiving data signals over wireless networkconnected to the internet 116 which is a Wi-Fi network. In otherembodiments other types of reception and transmission are capable overwireless network connected to the internet 116 including Bluetooth, 2G,3G, 4G LTE, WiMAX or others.

PCB 132 is a printed circuit board which provides mechanical support andelectrical connections for electrical components such as resistors,capacitors, processors, and others. In some embodiments PCB 132 includesa microprocessor, USB interface, memory, laser control interface, andwireless interface.

Turning to FIG. 2E, a bottom view of remote interaction device 100 isprovided which shows port cavity 126 and soft silicon foot 134. Softsilicon foot 134 in the example embodiment is a soft silicon componentwhich is attached to the bottom of remote interaction device 100 toallow remote interaction device 100 to have a higher frictioncoefficient than the metal or plastic housing of the device. As such,remote interaction device 100 is better able to rest in one place andhas less likelihood of being pushed, pulled, or knocked off a supportingsurface such as a table. Soft silicon foot 134 in the example embodimentis attached with glue to the bottom surface of remote interaction device100 but in other embodiments, resins, epoxies, screws, nails, or otherattachments are used.

In some embodiments multiple silicon feet 134 of varying dimensionsand/or configurations are used to provide grip to supporting surfaces.For instance, two parallel strips are used in some embodiments whilecircular, square, triangular or other shapes are used in otherembodiments.

Turning to FIG. 2F, a side view cutaway of remote interaction device 100is provided which shows an example embodiment of component locationswithin casing 112 in remote interaction device 100.

Turning to FIG. 3A, an example embodiment of remote interaction device100 is shown fully assembled.

Turning to FIG. 3B, an alternative example embodiment of remoteinteraction device 100 is shown from the rear in which port 109 is flushwith the back of the device and no port cavity 126 is provided.

Turning to FIG. 4, a diagram of the device modules 400 of remoteinteraction device 100 is shown. As shown, CPU module 402 governs USB404, Wi-Fi module 406, laser positioning module 408, RGB LED 410, laser412, video codec 414, and audio codec 418. In turn audio codec 418governs speaker 420 and microphone 422 and video encoder governs camera416. In the example embodiment H.264 and AAC are used for video andaudio encoding, STUN and TURN servers for NAT traversal, SIP forsignaling and RTP is used for transport. A p2p connection is establishedbetween points which eliminates the need for a server to transport thevideo stream and allows for time to be saved, thus improving the livefeeding capabilities. As required in various alternative embodimentsadditional processing units may be used and additional other modules maybe added to provide increased functionality. Modules here should beunderstood to have broad functionality, such as laser positioning module408 being operable in different embodiments to control electromagnets,servo-motors, or other laser positioning devices as required by theparticular embodiment. Additionally, modules may govern more than onecomponent, such as if multiple speakers are used.

Turning to FIG. 5A, a user interface 500 is provided to operate onconnected device 101.

When operator 114 first powers on remote interaction device 100 he mustconfigure the device to communicate with wireless network connected tothe internet 116. This is called first-time mode. In a typicalfirst-time mode operator 114 receives data about the network name andpassword, if required. In the example embodiment connection is made byconnecting remote interaction device 100 via USB interface to acomputer. In alternative embodiments connection may be made bypositioning a matrix or other two-dimensional barcode representing datain front of camera module 107 so camera module 107 may capture thematrix or other two-dimensional barcode. The data represented by thematrix or other two-dimensional barcode is then stored in the memorycomponent of the CPU module 104 and used to connect to the networkwhenever needed. After completion of the first-time mode process, remoteoperation device 100 generally operates in normal operation mode.

FIG. 5A shows an example embodiment of several initial screens of userinterface 500 which are displayed to operator 114 on connection device101. Operator 114 need not be a remote interaction device 100 owner,operator 114 may be any person who wishes to interact with remoteinteraction device 100 s. User interface 500 provides a way for operator114 s to navigate remote interaction device network 501. Initialdescription screen 516 may be first displayed by user interface 500 towelcome operator 114 and briefly describe remote interaction device andits capabilities. Selecting menu button 518 takes operator directly to amenu screen 520. After reading initial description screen 516 operator114 is taken to a registration screen 522. Registration screen 522allows operator 114 to register a new account or sign in to a previouslyregistered account. Registration screen 522 in the example embodimentprovides two methods of registration, by clicking a link to social mediasite profile 528 or by completing an email field 524 and password field526. Operator 114 may then be shown remote interaction device selectionscreen 530 which shows numerous remote interaction device avatar 532 s.Choosing remote interaction device avatar 532 will take operator 114directly to interaction screen 550 unless a queue has formed, describedbelow in this application.

Turning to FIG. 5B, normal operation mode allows operator 114 tonavigate the device network and control remote interaction device 100via connected device 101 over the internet. Operator 114 controls remoteinteraction device 100 using a user interface 500 such as that shown inFIG. 5A-5F. User interface 500 may require or allow for sign in usingvarious social networks to link to the device network.

Numerous fields are provided in menu screen 520 of user interface 500.In the example embodiment various buttons and fields allow navigation todifferent parts of the device network. In the example embodiment theseinclude search field 502, operator ID 504, operator settings 506, news508, interaction screen button 510, devices followed 512, and purchasedevices 514. In other embodiments additional or fewer buttons and/orfields are provided.

Search field 502 allows operator 114 to search for remote interactiondevice 100 s or other operators on the site by name, description, orother identifier such as Operator ID 504.

Operator ID 104 is the name or alias provided by operator 114 whensigning into the remote interaction device network 501.

News button 508 takes operator 114 to news screen 560.

Interaction screen button 510 takes operator 114 to interaction screen550.

Devices followed 512 takes operator 114 to a list of devices whichoperator 114 has elected to follow.

Operator settings 506 takes operator 114 to a list of settings and/orpreferences. Operator settings 506 may include various personalpreferences for operator 114 including when to turn remote interactiondevice on or off remotely, contact capabilities for other operators,lists of operators blocked from interacting with operator 114's remoteinteraction device 100, or others.

Purchase devices 514 allows operator 114 to purchase remote interactiondevice 100 s.

Normal operation mode is the general mode which allows operator 114 tonavigate remote interaction device network 501. In the exampleembodiment this includes search and browse capabilities to find pet111's using remote interaction device 100's that operator 114 findsinteresting, entertaining, or otherwise needing interaction. Searchfield 502 provides one way of finding other devices.

Turning to FIG. 5C, an example embodiment of interaction screen 550 isshown. In the example embodiment several fields and buttons are shown.These fields and buttons include menu button 518, laser control wheel552, settings field 554, volume control 562, device lock 564, networkconnect 566, snapshot button 556, laser on/off 558, and video display560.

Menu button 518 provides operator the ability to go to menu screen 520.

Laser control wheel 552 provides operator 114 the ability to controllaser beam positioning device 600 of remote device 100 and project laserbeam 110 to a desired location.

Settings field 554 provides operator 114 the ability to minimizesettings and/or select additional settings.

Volume control 562 provides operator 114 the ability to turn volume up,down or mute on remote interaction device 100 and/or connected device101.

Device lock 564 provides operator 114 the ability to lock remoteinteraction device 100 and/or connected device 101.

Network connect 566 provides operator 114 the ability to connect currentremote interaction device 100 to other remote interaction device 100 s.

Snapshot button 556 provides operator 114 the ability to take a snapshotpicture of the current display of video display 560.

Laser on/off 558 provides operator 114 the ability to turn remoteinteraction device 100's laser on or off.

Video display 560 shows a video display of remote interaction device 100to which operator 114 is currently connected.

Turning to FIG. 5D, another embodiment of interaction screen 550 isshown.

In this embodiment several features are omitted or minimized. Alsoprovided for are video record button 558.

In some embodiments operator 114 may choose what buttons or fieldsappear on interaction screen 550.

In some embodiments viewing live or delayed streaming video from cameramodule 107 is possible. In some embodiments operator 114 hears audiofrom remote interaction device 100's location captured by microphone108. In some embodiments operator captures sound from operator 114'senvironment using a local microphone compatible and operably connectedto connected device 101 to transmit audio to be played over speaker 106at remote interaction device 100's location.

Turning to FIG. 5E, access settings screen 560 is provided which allowsoperator 114 to set access preferences for remote interaction device 100which is linked to remote interaction device network 501. In someinstances, operator 114 may wish to limit the potential group ofoperator 114 s which can access remote interaction device 100.

In the example embodiment operator 114 may choose one or more categorieswhich he may share interaction with remote interaction device 100 overthe device network. In the example embodiment three categories areprovided which are family, friends, and general public. Each has acorresponding button including family access button 562, friends' accessbutton 564, and public access button 568. In some embodiments the familycategory allows members of a single household to interact with pet 111using remote interaction device 100 at any time. In some embodiments thefriends category allows friends of operator 114 to interact with pet 111using remote interaction device 100 during hours specified by operator114. In some embodiments the general public category allows members ofthe public to interact with pet 111 using remote interaction device 100for a period of time specified by operator 114, for instance fifteenminutes. Time limitation field 570 allows operator 114 to select anamount of time for interaction.

Lock device button 566 provides operator the ability to lock remoteinteraction device 100 access settings.

Also provided in FIG. 5E on access settings screen 560 are social medialink buttons 572. Social media link buttons 572 allow operator 114 aconvenient way to post on other social media platforms about remoteinteraction device 100. In some embodiments utilizing social media linkbuttons may allow “followers”, “friends”, or other contacts associatedwith operator 114's social media profiles on other platforms to accessremote interaction device 100 or operator 114 to import those othercontacts.

Turning to FIG. 5F, another screen in user interface 500 is shown.Various fields are shown in this embodiment including menu button 518,news button 508, shared remote interaction devices 576, additionalshared remote interaction devices 578, saved videos 574, interactionscreen button 510, remote interaction device status indicator 580,remote interaction device operator information 582, and public sharedremote interaction devices 584. In other embodiments more or lessinformation may be provided onscreen.

Shared remote interaction devices 576 includes a list of shared remoteinteraction devices between family and friends or other connected remoteinteraction device 100 operators 114.

Additional shared remote interaction devices 578, provides access toadditional shared remote interaction device 100 s if the list istruncated to save space in user interface 500.

Saved videos 574, may take operator 114 to a list of saved videos.

Interaction screen button 510 is provided to take user to interactionscreen 550.

Remote interaction device status indicator 580 is provided to showoperator 114 the status of a remote interaction device 100. Differentcolors or flashes may indicate that remote interaction device 100 iscurrently in use, needs attention, has a queue, or otherwise signifiesanother useful status.

Remote interaction device operator information 582 in the exampleembodiment provides brief information about operator 114 of a remoteinteraction device 100 and a link to information about operator 114'sprofile which may include pet names, user names, avatar pictures,location information or others.

Public shared remote interaction devices 584 provides a list of publicremote interaction device 100 s which may be interesting in someembodiments or in other embodiments may provide random browsing throughpublic remote interaction device 100 s.

In some embodiments operator 114 may share access to his remoteinteraction device 100 with another operator 114 based on theirrelationship or other interest in pet 111. In some embodiments operator114 may share access to his remote interaction device 100 with thegeneral public.

Turning to FIG. 5G, another embodiment of user interface 500 is shown.In this example embodiment operator profile 599 is shown. In the exampleembodiment numerous elements are shown including menu button 518,operator ID 504, operator picture 586, operator follow 588, operatornews 590, saved videos 574, avatar 592, remote interaction deviceoperator information 582, operator interaction button 594, story typeindicator 596, and others.

Operator follow 588 provides operator 114 a way to receive news andfacilitate interaction by keeping operator profile 599 in a convenientlocation such as a list of friends or acquaintances.

Operator news 590 displays information which the owner of operatorprofile 599 has published. In various embodiments this includespictures, videos, comments, sounds, and other news.

Avatar 592 provides operator with a picture identifying remoteinteraction device 100.

Remote interaction device operator information 582, may include moreinformation than that shown in FIG. 5F including length of time owningremote interaction device 100, comments, quotes, preferences or others.

Operator interaction button 594 provides operator 114 a way ofinteracting with operator profile 599 such as leaving a private message,a public message, sending pictures or videos or others.

Story type indicator 596 indicates the type of story published in newsscreen 560 or elsewhere. For example story type indicator may show acamera icon to signify a picture, a camcorder icon to signify a video, amemo icon to signify a comment, or others.

Turning to FIG. 5H, news screen 560 is shown as part of user interface500. Remote interaction device network 501 includes news screen 560 tointeract with other operator 114 s by publishing comments, videos, orother content to the device network. This information is published undernews 508.

In some embodiments operator 114's may connect to the device network anduse it without owning a remote interaction device 100. This allowsindividuals who do not have pets to interact with remote interactiondevice 100's and share their love for animals and friendship with otheroperator 114's.

In some embodiments multiple operator 114's may wish to interact with asingle remote interaction device 100. In some embodiments a queue isformed on the network and a time limit is imposed on a currentinteraction based on the time already elapsed in the currentinteraction, the length of time waiting in the queue by the nextoperator 114, the number of additional operator 114's in the queue, orother qualifications.

In some embodiments remote interaction device 100 may be connected withother remote interaction device 100's to provide a home network ormulti-device setup for operator 114. This is useful in locations whichmay have multiple rooms or environments in which pet 111 may be locatedsuch as a multi-room home or a home with a backyard patio. In theseembodiments operator 114 has the ability to switch his view betweenremote interaction device 100's to locate pet 111. In some embodimentsan image recognition system detects pet 111 to save operator 114 time inlocating pet 111.

In the example embodiment video recording using camera module 107 can besaved in local storage in remote interaction device 100. This allowsoperator 114 to transfer the recording to other storage, such as cloudstorage, at a later time. This provides operator 114 the ability tocapture a high quality video without large bandwidth requirements forstreaming the video.

In some embodiments remote interaction device 100 may be connected withother devices which are not other remote interaction device 100's. Insuch cases, an appropriate application programming interface (API) isrequired to govern how software components interact with each other. Insome embodiments other devices may include home appliances such aslighting, audio-visual output devices such as music players,televisions, or computer monitors, pet toys, feeding devices, collars,and other electronics with appropriate wireless connectivity. Thewireless connectivity between remote interaction device 100 may be thesame which is used to connect remote interaction device 100 to theinternet such as Wi-Fi or it may be different such as Bluetooth orothers.

Turning to FIGS. 6A-6E, an example embodiment of laser beam positioningdevice 600 is shown in differing perspective views. FIG. 6A shows anangular perspective of laser beam positioning device 600. FIG. 6B showsa side perspective of laser beam positioning device 600. FIG. 6C shows afront perspective of laser beam positioning device 600. FIG. 6D showsthe side perspective view of laser beam positioning device 600 from theopposite side of FIG. 6B. FIG. 6E shows a rear perspective view of laserbeam positioning device 600.

In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-6E numerous components areshown which relate to laser beam positioning device 600. Generally thereis a first group of components which control horizontal movement oflaser beam 110 and a second group of components which control verticalmovement of laser beam 110. Components generally used in controllingvertical movement of laser beam 110 are given the “first” designationsuch as first hammer 604, first optical sensor 614, first solenoids 606,first shoulder 608, first arm 628, and first mirror 612 which aremounted to first component board 624. Components generally used incontrolling horizontal movement of laser beam 110 are given the “second”designation such as second hammer 616, second optical sensor 622, secondsolenoids 618, second shoulder 620, second arm 630, and second mirror610 which are mounted to second component board 626. Additionalcomponents required for laser beam 110 control include laser emitter 602which is mounted to first component board 624. Additional or fewercomponents are used in some embodiments to control laser beam 110.

In the example embodiment laser emitter 602 emits a laser which isreflected from second mirror 610 to first mirror 612 which then reflectsthe laser beam to through front acrylic glass 122 and into theenvironment in front of remote interaction device 100, generally to asurface such as a floor, a wall, a ceiling, a furniture surface, orothers.

First mirror 612 has a flat reflective surface and is mounted to ormanufactured as part of first shoulder 608. First shoulder 608 is a rodcomponent which has an axis of rotation running through its center.First shoulder 608 is connected to first arm 628. First arm 628 isattached to first hammer 604 at its end opposite of first shoulder 608.The center of first arm 628 has a permanent neodymium magnet in it withmagnetic poles. The magnetic poles of this permanent neodymium magnetare directed perpendicularly to the rotational movement directions offirst arm 628 when first arm 628 is rotated about rotational axis at thecenter of first shoulder 608. First shoulder 628 passes through firstcomponent board 624 so that first mirror 612 is on the opposite side offirst component board 624 from first arm 628 and first hammer 604. Thehole through which first shoulder 608 passes through first componentboard 624 allows for rotation of first shoulder 608 within the hole.First solenoids 606 are mounted on the same side of first componentboard that 624 first arm 628 and first hammer 604 are located.

First solenoids 606 are in electrical communication with a power supplysuch as a battery or other power source. First solenoids 606 controlrotation of first arm 628 and thus the movement of first mirror 612 bycreating a magnetic field which in the example embodiment repels themagnetic poles of the permanent neodymium magnet at the center of firstarm 628. Fine-tuned control of the rotation of first arm 628 iscontrolled by varying the amount of electrical current passed througheach of first solenoids 606. A controller such as the central processingunit of remote interaction device 100 controls the amount of currentpassed through each of first solenoids 606 based on the controlinstructions received from connected device 101 operated by operator114.

First optical sensor 614 is mounted to the same side of first componentboard 624 as first solenoids 606. First optical sensor 614 in theexample embodiment has two components, a light emitter and a lightdetector. In the example embodiment, at a central positioning of firsthammer 604 and first arm 628 light detector of first optical sensor 614detects a maximum luminous flux of light emitted from light emitter offirst optical sensor 614 and reflected off first hammer 604. As thelocation of first hammer 604 changes when laser beam positioning device600 is in use, light receiver of first optical sensor 614 continues tomonitor the luminous flux of light reflected off first hammer 604 andthus monitors and provides calibration information for laser beampositioning device 600. This form of feedback is beneficial because itprovides information about whether one direction of laser beampositioning device 600 is operating properly.

Second mirror 610 has a flat reflective surface and is mounted to ormanufactured as part of second shoulder 620. Second shoulder 620 is arod component which has an axis of rotation running through its center.Second shoulder 620 is connected to second arm 630. Second arm 630 isattached to second hammer 616 at its end opposite of second shoulder620. The center of second arm 616 has a permanent neodymium magnet in itwith magnetic poles. The magnetic poles of this permanent neodymiummagnet are directed perpendicularly to the rotational movementdirections of second arm 630 when second arm 630 is rotated aboutrotational axis at the center of second shoulder 620. Second shoulder620 passes through second component board 626 so that second mirror 610is on the opposite side of second component board 626 from second arm630 and second hammer 616. The hole through which second shoulder 620passes through second component board 626 allows for rotation of secondshoulder 620 within the hole. Second solenoids 618 are mounted on thesame side of second component board 626 that second arm 630 and secondhammer 616 are located.

Second solenoids 618 are in electrical communication with a power supplysuch as a battery or other power source. Second solenoids 618 controlrotation of second arm 630 and thus the movement of second mirror 610 bycreating a magnetic field which attracts or repels the magnetic poles ofthe permanent neodymium magnet at the center of second arm 630.Fine-tuned control of the rotation of second arm 630 is controlled byvarying the amount of electrical current passed through each of secondsolenoids 618. A controller such as the central processing unit ofremote interaction device 100 controls the amount of current passedthrough each of second solenoids 618 based on the control instructionsreceived from connected device 101 operated by operator 114.

Second optical sensor 622 is mounted to the same side of secondcomponent board 626 as second solenoids 618. Second optical sensor 622in the example embodiment has two components, a light emitter and alight detector. In the example embodiment, at a central positioning ofsecond hammer 616 and second arm 630 light detector of second opticalsensor 622 detects a maximum luminous flux of light emitted from lightemitter of second optical sensor 622 and reflected off second hammer616. As the location of second hammer 616 changes when laser beampositioning device 600 is in use, light receiver of second opticalsensor 622 continues to monitor the luminous flux of light reflected offsecond hammer 616 and thus monitors and provides calibration informationfor laser beam positioning device 600. This form of feedback isbeneficial because it provides information about whether one directionof laser beam positioning device 600 is operating properly.

FIG. 6D shows the best perspective for viewing laser support structure634. Laser support structure 634 provides an overall support structurefor the components in laser beam positioning device 600. Laser supportstructure 634 generally provides mounting locations for first componentboard 624 and second component board 626. In the example embodimentfirst component board 624 and second component board 626 are inperpendicular planes. As such, first shoulder 608 and second shoulder620 are in perpendicular planes to one another and provide optimalorientation for reflection of laser beam 110 emitted by laser emitter602 off second mirror 610 to first mirror 612 and off first mirror 612to the outside environment.

In the example embodiment camera module 107 is also affixed to lasersupport structure 634. In other embodiments camera module 107 is locatedin other locations within remote interaction device 100 and is notaffixed to laser support structure 634.

In some embodiments remote interaction device 100 provides structure foroperator 114 to save inputted commands such as for the laser beampositioning device 600 when operator 114 deems it necessary ordesirable. These saved commands may include a particular sequence ofmovements. Operator 114 may deem it necessary or desirable to savecommands when a particular set or sequence of laser beam 110 movementsplease pet 111, cause it to do a trick, or an otherwise desirableresponse such as a positive response occurs.

In some embodiments there is an auto-play mode which allows operator 114to record a set of laser and voice commands. Operator 114 may then set atime for remote interaction device 100 to interact with pet 111automatically.

While embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed, various modifications may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modificationsand equivalents are intended to be covered.

In many instances entities are described herein as being coupled toother entities. It should be understood that the terms “coupled” and“connected” (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and,in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities(without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic) intervening entities) andthe indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligibleintervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directlycoupled together, or described as coupled together without descriptionof any intervening entity, it should be understood that those entitiescan be indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in thedrawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood,however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particularform disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritof the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, orelements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, aswell as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of theclaims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not withinthat scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A remote interaction device comprising: anaudio-visual platform operable to record audiovisual data about theenvironment; a photonic emission device operable to emit photons intothe environment; a photonic emission aiming device operable to receiveaiming commands and use electromagnets to aim the photonic emissiondevice based on the received aiming commands; a wireless transceiveroperable to send and receive data including the audiovisual data andaiming commands; a processor operable to process data from theaudio-visual platform, the wireless transceiver, the photonic emissiondevice, the photonic emission aiming device, and a data and powerplatform; and the data and power platform operable to receive data froma computer when connected, and provide power to all device componentsincluding the audio-visual platform, the photonic emission device, thephotonic emission aiming device, the wireless transceiver, and theprocessor.
 2. The remote interaction device according to claim 1,wherein the wireless transceiver further comprises a wireless controllerand an antenna operable to send and receive data transmission signals toand from the wireless controller.
 3. The remote interaction deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the audio-visual platform furthercomprises at least one video recorder and at least one acoustictransducer.
 4. The remote interaction device according to claim 1,wherein the data and power platform further comprises a data port whichalso serves as a power supply.
 5. A remote interaction systemcomprising: a multimedia recording system operable to record audio dataand visual data at a first location; a transmission and reception systemoperable to transmit and receive data from the first location includingthe audio data and visual data; a remote monitoring system operable toallow a user at a second location to receive and play the audio data andvisual data from the first location; and a remote command systemoperable to allow a user to remotely command a photonic emission systemoperable to emit photons at the first location and to aim the directionof the photons by using electromagnets.
 6. The remote interaction systemaccording to claim 5, wherein the multimedia recording system recognizesaudible or visual movement at the first location and notifies a user atthe second location.
 7. The remote interaction system according to claim5, wherein the remote monitoring system is used to provide a live feedof the environment from the first location.
 8. The remote interactiondevice system to claim 5, wherein the transmission and reception systemoperates over a wireless local area network connected to the internet.9. The remote interaction device according to claim 5, wherein thephotonic emission system is a laser.
 10. A method of facilitating remoteinteraction comprising: recording audio and visual data at a firstlocation and transmitting it to a second location; receiving audio andvisual data at the second location that was recorded at the firstlocation and displaying and playing the visual and audio signals on alocal device at the second location; interacting with controls on thelocal device at the second location which operate to control a photonicemission device at the first location, in part by controlling the aim ofthe photonic emission device using electromagnets; and receivingfeedback at the second location based on a subject's interaction withthe photonic emission device at the first location.
 11. The method offacilitating remote interaction according to claim 10, whereininteracting with controls on the local device at the second locationfurther comprises adjusting targeting information for the photonicemission device.
 12. The method of facilitating remote interactionaccording to claim 10, wherein receiving feedback at the second locationbased on a subject's interaction with the photonic emission deviceincludes a video feed of the subject's interaction with the photonicemission device.
 13. The method of facilitating remote interactionaccording to claim 10, wherein a first user of the method interacts withother users of the method on a device network.
 14. The method offacilitating remote interaction according to claim 13, wherein the firstuser uses searching functionality on the network to find and interactwith other users.
 15. A remote interaction system comprising: a remoteinteraction device having a casing housing audiovisual recording andoutput components, a wireless transceiver, a laser system operable toproject and move a laser based on received commands, a power system tooperate all components, and a processor communicatively coupled toprocess data from the power system, the audiovisual recording and outputcomponents, wireless transceiver, and laser system; wherein the wirelesstransceiver is operable to communicate with at least one other remoteinteraction device and a remote communication device; wherein the remotecommunication device is a smart device operable to receive commands andat least audio data input from a user and transmit the commands and atleast audio data to the remote interaction devices; and wherein theremote interaction devices are operably connected to a remoteinteraction device network which allows operators to create profiles andshare remote interaction device data.
 16. The remote interaction systemaccording to claim 15, wherein the remote interaction devices mayinclude two or more locally networked remote interaction devices. 17.The remote interaction system according to claim 15, wherein the remoteinteraction devices may include two or more remotely networked remoteinteraction devices.
 18. The remote interaction system according toclaim 15, where the smart device is a smart phone, tablet, or laptopcomputer.